Dallas Texas Condos

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Tips for Finding a Good Condo in Dallas

Dallas has some amazing condos in almost every neighborhood which are luxurious, spectacularly designed and awe-inspiring. From Victory Park to Highland Park there are condominiums and townhomes which are meeting the housing needs of young professionals, families and retirees.

The big advantage of living in a condo is that repairs, insurances and security is all taken care of. If there is a swimming pool, gym or garden area, these too will be paid for from your monthly homeowners association fees. Other attractions are the brilliant designs, well-equipped interiors and the luxury amenities. A condo is often much cheaper than a single-family home making them ideal for first time buyers and for retirees who may want to release equity in their homes and downsize. So how do you know if a Dallas condo is the right move for you? Here are some things to think about before taking the plunge. Use our listings engine to search for Dallas condo listings that are currently for sale or rent.

Choose Your Neighborhood

First consider what area of Dallas you would really like to live in (consult our Dallas neighborhood information resources to learn more about specific neighborhoods). As life changes, so do our needs. If you are working, your new home must be an easy commute from your office. Look at transport links, and avoid areas of congestion such as tolls booths and bridges which may make your working day much longer than it might otherwise be. Consider living in the heart of downtown where you do not need a car, and most dining and entertainment attractions are a short walk or taxi ride away. This can save you money and improve your health and fitness. Location is usually the #1 deciding factor when choosing a new home.

Amenities

Next consider whether you want stunning views from a high-rise, a smaller low-rise community or a townhome. What amenities would you like? Valet parking? A fitness suite and swimming pool? Security staff? The choice varies widely and understanding your needs is an important deciding factor.

Checkout the Building

If the condo is new, research the builder and find out what his reputation is for fixing niggling problems when you move in. Also employ the services of a qualified inspector who will check the building’s electrical, heating and plumbing facilities as well as the condition of the common areas and the soundproofing of the building.

Reasearch the Condo Association

Check out your future Condo Association. Read the rules carefully, particularly regarding pets, renting out your home, rules permitting work being done in your condo and whether you can hire extra space such as a party room. Whilst you may not want to rent out your apartment, will you be happy with a succession of temporary neighbors who may be less considerate than owners in terms of noise levels and frequent partying? You may not have a dog, so having to share an elevator with one may also be a negative factor.

Finally, ask to see the budget and accounts of the condo association. These will tell you what assessments have been levied in the past and whether there is a fund for a new roof, replacement elevators etc. Find out what the current monthly assessment fee is and exactly what it covers. Usually it works out much cheaper to live in a condo than insuring and maintaining your own single family home.